Lusitano Collection returns with prized Brazilian horses up for auction

February 23, 2011|John Christopher Fine wellingtonforum@tribune.com

Wellington is a haven for horse enthusiasts, jumpers, dressage riders and polo players from all over the world. Cool evenings and temperate sunny days, fields of play and equestrian events make western Palm Beach County the winter horse playground of America. And beginning today, a rare and important breed of horses will be available for inspection, then on Friday and Saturday, the Lusitano Collection will be revealed as part of an annual ritual that started in Wellington in 2008.

Lusitanos are a 5,000-year-old branch of Iberian horses that once roamed wild in the marshes and swamps of Portugal and Spain. The founding branch, of what has come to be called primitive breeds, were Sorraias or Marismenos. These are the original horses conquistadors brought to the New World. The history of the Lusitano horse is fascinating and one of the world's foremost experts is Dr. Paulo Gonzaga.

Gonzaga had the inspiration in 1974 to create a breeding farm for Lusitanos in Brazil. He imported four mares and one stallion from Portugal. He created the 1,200-acre Interagro Farms about two hours north of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"Even our stallions are gentle. They are smaller horses than Warmbloods used by dressage riders. That gives younger riders an advantage. They are so smart and gentle that it is easy for a rider to bond with them," said Maria Cecilia Gonzaga, Intergaro Farms managing director. The Lusitano Collection was brought to the U.S. a month before the event to give them time to adjust after a long flight from Sao Paulo and lengthy quarantine required for importation.

Heather Bender is Interagro's U.S. trainer. She works year round visiting the farm, working with horses that are considered the best candidates for the annual event and auction sale in Wellington, then perfects training skills riding every horse.

"We know each horse from birth. When a potential buyer tells us what they are looking for we can match the personality and development level of the horse to suggest the best horse for their intended purpose, pleasure riding, jumping, driving or dressage," she said.

When the Lusitano horses make their public appearance at the 111-acre Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, some will perform a carefully organized and executed quadrille to Samba music of Brazil. Bender and her riders will leave the audience in awe with lead changes and synchronized riding. Interagro trainer and rider Pia Aragao, Interagro's lead trainer in Brazil, will be on hand to help local riders organize the quadrille and take part in the performance leading riders around the arena.

Last year saw a record set during the Saturday night auction when a Lusitano sold for $149,000. Every year the breed is gaining ground in dressage competitions and among horse enthusiasts everywhere. "This is a ferocious stallion, look at him," Cecilia laughed.

Every year that the Lusitanos have been introduced in America has seen increased interest in the breed. Aragao and an Interagro Farms Lusitano were selected to ride in the Pan American Games. Many young riders are Olympic hopefuls having chosen Lusitanos as the breed upon whose backs they set their hopes and dreams of success.

Horse tryouts for interested buyers will take place today and Thursday at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, 7500 Forest Hill Blvd. Veterinarian checks will take place on Friday and the Lusitano showcase will begin at 6 p.m. with demonstrations by Bender, Aragao and other exceptional riders. Saturday's gala dinner and auction will begin at 5 p.m. For information visit http://www.lusitanocollection.com.